KTT Orange vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the differences between various options, such as the KTT Orange and the HMX SU. The KTT Orange, with its eye-catching vivid orange nylon bottom housing and a polycarbonate milky top, is designed for those who appreciate a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. Its 22mm long spring enhances the overall feel, allowing for a smooth key travel that is further refined by excellent factory-lubing, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the HMX SU, featuring a durable full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivers a subtly deep sound profile that, while less pronounced, can appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to linear switch lovers, but they each bring their unique characteristics to the table. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a lively, tactile feedback with the KTT Orange or a more subdued yet solid typing experience with the HMX SU, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

HMX SU Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Orange and HMX SU switches, a noteworthy distinction arises from their housing materials. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings, which offers a notably different auditory experience. Nylon's softer properties lead to a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more sound waves, creating a duller and rounder sound. This fundamental difference between the two materials not only shapes the auditory profile but also suggests varied tactile feedback during typing.

Aesthetic considerations also play a role in differentiating the two switch designs. The KTT Orange, thanks to its polycarbonate housing, is aesthetically appealing, especially with RGB lighting, as the translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. The clarity of the polycarbonate accentuates the light effects, creating an enchanting visual appeal. On the other hand, the HMX SU's nylon material does not possess the same translucency, which may lessen its effectiveness with RGB lighting features. While both switches may provide a pleasing look, the transparency of the KTT Orange's polycarbonate provides it with a distinct advantage for users prioritizing lighting effects.

In terms of sound experience, the KTT Orange and HMX SU switches showcase their qualities based on the interplay between their housing materials. While the KTT Orange delivers a consistent sound profile characterized by clarity, the HMX SU's nylon offers a softer and more muted auditory experience. When typing, the impact of these materials is pronounced: the KTT Orange's polycarbonate provides a sharper response during both the bottom-out and release phases, while the HMX SU's nylon softens the sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile feel. Thus, the combination of materials results in distinct typing experiences: with both switches, the divergent characteristics of the top and bottom housings lead to a unique sound and feel profile, catering to different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, we can see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX SU features slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces of 45 grams and 50 grams, respectively, making it a lighter option overall. This means that those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for long sessions may lean toward the HMX SU switch, while users who appreciate a slightly more substantial feel might find the KTT Orange more satisfying. While both switches offer desirable characteristics, the differences in their forces suggest that the HMX SU will be easier to actuate, thus providing a lighter touch, whereas the KTT Orange provides just a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a firmer feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The KTT Orange features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option and the HMX SU the longer one. For users who prioritize a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the HMX SU more satisfying, as it can provide a less abrupt experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the subtle difference in travel distance can influence the choice for users based on their specific needs and comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound profile, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone. This makes it quieter and more subtle compared to higher-pitched switches, allowing for an unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU's sound characteristics remain unknown, which means we cannot directly compare its auditory profile to that of the KTT Orange. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the type of keyboard the switches are installed in, as well as the choice of keycaps.

Regarding feel, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy nature, giving users a spring-like sensation that adds a lively feedback during typing. The long 22mm spring enhances this effect, making each keypress feel energizing. Coupled with a frictionless design, the Orange switch ensures a smooth and effortless typing journey, minimizing any resistance and enhancing overall fluidity. Unfortunately, the specific tactile qualities of the HMX SU switch are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison of how the two switches feel during use.

In summary, while the KTT Orange linear switch offers a distinctive low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless feel conducive to an enjoyable typing experience, the HMX SU lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. Should it feature a smooth design similar to the Orange, users can expect a comparable typing experience, but the specifics remain undetermined. Overall, if sound quality is an essential factor in your choice, you may lean towards the KTT Orange, while the HMX SU's qualities remain open for exploration once more information is available.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch really depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you appreciate a medium-light force with a bouncy feel and enjoy smooth, frictionless keystrokes, the KTT Orange is an excellent option. It not only provides a fun, lively typing experience but also features a low-pitched sound, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for faster typing and require a subtler sound profile, the HMX SU might be the switch for you. Its lighter resistance and deeper tone can enhance your overall comfort, especially during long typing sessions. Therefore, consider your own typing style and the atmosphere in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two exceptional switches.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more